Lenten Rose

Helleborus or Lenten Rose (aka Christmas Rose), is another late winter/early spring blooming perennial.  The flowers come in shades of white, rose and even dark purple/black.  They prefers a shadey spot and most varieties are 18" & under.

Pieris, a recent find blooming in the garden, has creamy white flowers.  Pieris japonica or Japanese Pieris, is a medium sized, evergreen shrub.  It prefers part to full shade and comes with options: variegated leaves, flower colors and sizes.